Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning to relocate to the United Kingdom with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, approximately six years after they stepped back from royal duties. The move is anticipated to occur later this month, with the children slated to begin attending a British school in September.
According to multiple reports, including those cited by the BBC, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex intend to establish a private residence outside of London. King Charles III was informed of the planned move and reportedly expressed a desire to spend more private time with the family. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, have also been made aware of the decision.
The relocation is not expected to alter Harry and Meghan's current royal status, as they have no plans to resume duties as working members of the royal family and will remain private citizens. This development follows a reunion between the Sussexes and King Charles in July at his private residence in Gloucestershire. This was reportedly the first time the King had seen Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in person in over four years.
Prince Harry and Meghan last visited the UK together for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022. The couple initially departed royal duties in 2020 and subsequently settled in Montecito, California. Their relationship with the royal family has been strained, particularly after public discussions of their grievances in interviews, a Netflix docuseries, and Prince Harry's 2023 memoir, "Spare."
Security has been a significant point of contention for Prince Harry, who lost a legal challenge in 2025 regarding the level of police protection available to him and his family when in the UK. He has previously stated that safety concerns were a factor preventing him from bringing his wife and children to Britain. Royal experts have indicated that a private reconciliation with his family does not necessarily signify a return to public royal duties, noting that the monarchy has adapted to a smaller working team.